Joseph Brygger was installing windows on a
house at 7051 Bradley Circle in Broyhill Crest Nov. 13, 2013, when he heard
police officers yelling commands at someone to stop and a man running toward
him with officers in pursuit.

“Without a moment’s hesitation, Mr. Brygger
tackled the suspect and held on firmly until officers arrived and took over
custody,” the Police Department states. “Only then did he learn the officers
suspected the man in a series of burglaries and that he had led them on a foot
chase through the neighborhood. Canine officers, motorcycle officers, and the
police helicopter had all joined in the chase.”

“Police officers don’t
encourage citizens to risk injury or worse to apprehend a wanted suspect, but
that’s exactly what Joseph Brygger did. His courage and fearless actions have
earned him the Department’sCitizen
Award,” the statement continues.

Brygger, a contractor who lives in Locust
Grove, Va., was unable to attend the award
ceremony in person, so it was mailed to him with a letter of gratitude from
Chief of Police Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., stating, “Your involvement displays
the true meaning of people helping people and proves once again the value of
citizen involvement.”

Brygger is still in the home improvement
business and has been installing windows and doors for nearly 25 years. “I don’t
think I'll be going into law enforcement but if they ever need my assistance
they’ve got it,” he says. “Since 9-11, I pay more attention to my surroundings
and the need to help out, whether the situation is dangerous or just helping an
elderly person across the street.”

“In today’s world, this is something you don’t
see much from people, so it’s always a pleasure for me to help,” he says. “I do
appreciate and thank Fairfax County Police and citizens for this award. I wasn’t
expecting anything at all like this.”

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